No country for Old Manny

Angels fans continue to make almost a daily case for Manny Ramirez as The Big Bat Who Will Save 2009.

This, despite Angels general manager Tony Reagins' statements to the contrary last month. I thought "Manny will not be an Angel," was pretty conclusive.

Well, he's still out there. And he's going to cost something in the excess of the Dodgers' original two-year, $45 million offer, which apparrently drew little or no response from agent Scott Boras.

That's not a bad price for a surefire Hall of Famer coming off a super two months with the Dodgers, albeit at age 36.

Remember that Ramirez voided two option years worth a total of $40 million off his contract as a condition of waiving his no-trade clause and accepting that trade, so he plans to make a profit out of this free agency.

But the Angels have plans for the money they didn't get to spend on Mark Teixeira. A big chunk should go John Lackey's way. More might go for an ancipated mid-season trade acquistion of the Big Bat Flavor of The Month. And some more will go to Guerrero if the Angels decide to bring him back.

As spring training rapidly approaches, it's very much a buyer's market. Many of the players left figure to sign for much less than they anticipated when free agency started.

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.